How long do climbing harnesses last
04/2024
Whether your dynamic move doesn’t quite come off or conquering the crux of your route requires a more intense effort than usual: a climbing harness doesn’t just give you comfort and freedom of movement, but – above all – a sense of security. To ensure you can fully rely on your equipment on many adventures to come, regularly checking on your harness and replacing it when necessary is vital. We’ll tell you what you need to watch out for, and how to properly care for your gear.
A climbing harness has to put up with a lot. That’s why they’re generally made from high-strength fibers like polyamide, polyethylene and elastane, which are woven into a hardwearing belt strap. The tie-in point, which always tends to be under a lot of strain, is usually reinforced with plastic. Some models even have red fabric woven into the strap so you can tell straight away when the webbing is damaged. Whether you use your harness a lot or just on occasional outings, there inevitably comes the time where you need to replace it.
The lifespan of a climbing harness
The longer you use your outdoor equipment, the harder it gets to say goodbye. That being said, after 5 to 10 years it’s definitely time to call it a day. Good to know: Manufacturers are required by EU law to clearly indicate the durability of any given climbing harness. However, even if you store your harness correctly or only use it very infrequently, you should always look at those 5 to 10 years as the maximum lifespan: Materials like polyamide get porous after a while, and will no longer be able to sustain the full weight.
Tip: If you’re looking to borrow or buy a used climbing harness, make sure to ask about its history: When was it bought, how often was it used, how was it stored? If in doubt, it’s better not to use it and opt for a new harness – or one where you definitely know that it has only been used over a short amount of time previously.
Lifespan of a climbing harness depending on usage
NEVER USED max. 10 years
ONCE OR TWICE A YEAR up to 7 years
ONCE A MONTH up to 5 years
SEVERAL TIMES A MONTH up to 3 years
EVERY WEEK up to 1 year
ALMOST DAILY less than 1 year
Intensity and frequency of use
A word of advice: It may well be time to retire your climbing harness a little earlier than usual, as factors like the intensity of use, the type of climbing activity you do, and storage conditions all affect durability.
Your preferred climbing activity has the most impact on how long your climbing harness will last. If you mostly use it for projecting, all the while pushing yourself to the limit and falling back into the rope a lot, the lifespan of your harness will be drastically reduced. If your preferred pastime ist top roping, where the harness is under a lot less strain, it will most likely last a whole lot longer.
How to tell when it’s time for a replacement
The material itself is the main indicator of your climbing harness’s condition. So make sure to regularly inspect your harness (as well as your whole equipment), taking the time in between sessions to check on each individual component.
First, take a close look at the tie-in loop and retaining ring. Once the base material is starting to shine through in these spots – usually you can tell by the different color – it’s high time for a new climbing harness, just like it is when seams and edges show signs of damage. Check both sides to make absolutely sure that there are no cut off, worn or loose threads. Also check the hip strap, leg loops and clasps. Can you see or feel signs of wear and tear?
Environment
The type of environment your harness is exposed to can also massively impact durability. You should replace your climbing harness when:
it is soiled with fat and oil
it has been in direct contact with battery acid or any other type of acid
it has been exposed to extreme heat or abrasion, and is singed or has begun to fray
the clasps show signs of corrosion
How to store your climbing harness
If you store your climbing harness correctly, you can significantly increase its lifespan – even if you use it a lot. After all, for most of the year it's stowed away, and not actively being used. To get you all set, we’ve rounded up a couple of handy storage tips for you:
Use a packsack (often included) for storage and transport. This will ensure your climbing harness won’t get dirty and is protected against abrasion.
Make sure your harness is completely dry before you put it away. If it’s wet, don’t put it on the heater, but simply hang it up – or lay it out flat – in a dry room.
Store it in a dry, dark and cool place to prevent fading, the onset of mold, as well as premature wear and tear.
Store your climbing harness far away from sharp items like your ice axe, ice screws, crampons, as well as aggressive chemicals like paint, solvents, acid or glue.
When in doubt: Replace it
If you’re worried your climbing harness is no longer up to the challenge and safe to use, don’t hesitate to replace it. Remember: Your climbing harness is not just saving your life, but also the life of whoever you’re belaying.
What do I do with an old climbing harness?
If your climbing harness has reached the end of its lifespan, throw it away. Under no circumstances should you resell it or give it away for free. After a specific amount of wear and tear, as well as a certain time of use, it’s simply not safe anymore – so don’t risk it.
To sum it all up: Regularly check your climbing harness to enjoy peace of mind while climbing, knowing you’re perfectly safe and secured at all times. And if you’ve just so happen to be at the point where you’re in business for some new equipment, we’ve got you covered: Check out our guide on what to watch out for when buying a new climbing harness. Allez!